I always get excited to find new designers working in recycled/upcycled leather, and while it’s only one of the salvaged materials Lost Property of London works with, it’s the biggest component of my favorite bag: the Belmont Eco Messenger. The company also works with recycled coffee sacks and salvaged wax cotton in addition to recycled leather.
Shop online via Lost Property of London’s web store, or at Yoox.com
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You will NEVER find me without a big bag – most of the summer I carried my huge, “vintage” woven tote – but last week I used a clutch, and I liked it. I know, weird, right? 
It was just too hot to carry a big bag on my shoulder last week, so when I tried out the clutch, I was really surprised that I didn’t mind using it. I was worried that it would be awkward to get in and out of (I needed quick access to my camera) or that I would find it strange to carry. But it wasn’t awkward, or strange. Now I feel the need to carry a clutch more often – perhaps sometimes even as a “main” bag *gasp!!* During the day!!
Some of my favorite eco-friendly handbags are made from recycled or upcycled leather; it’s always better in my opinion to use something that’s already been used (leather jackets) or something that would otherwise have been thrown away than to create something new…
So, check out the clutches below made by some of the best recycled leather handbag designers, and maybe a couple you’ve never heard of. Which one is your favorite?
ReMade USA Recycled Leather clutch – on sale for $90
Ashley Watson recycled leather wallet – so, this is technically a wallet, but I use my large wallet as a clutch periodically; just put your phone in the zipper portion and you’re good to go! (on sale for $107 at Atticus)
Lina Rennell recycled leather pouch (she also has a fabric version available) – $104 at Beklina
Claire Vivier remnant leather clutches (she makes these from the leftover leather created from her handbag business), ranging from $79 to $149:
Recycled leather clutch by Patkas – on sale for $60:
This recycled leather clutch by Cha Cha is small, but look how cute 
and only $15:
This upcycled (an old leather bag, transformed) clutch/wallet with handpainted peacock feather is gorgeous! I love the idea of taking something dull & lifeless and turning it into something interesting. By Kathryn Greenwald – $35
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I LOVE Manimal’s line of moccasins, but check out the lovely pouches she’s making from the leftover suede bits:
Thank you to Fashion loves People for the head’s up on the new pouches. *smooch*
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Nimli, one of my favorite eco-boutiques, has just added LOTS of new items for Fall. I am loving everything, but I’m most excited that they now carry Ashley Watson recycled leather bags and are offering YOU a 20% discount with code “grechens08.”
I have been talking about Ashley Watson’s lovely recycled leather bags & wallets since I first discovered her a couple of years ago, but I think now’s my chance to snag one for myself!! (check out more places online to purchase Ashley Watson)
Ashley’s bags start at $374 and top out at $418 for the first bag on the left. She handcrafts all of them from 100% recycled leather in Canada and has steadily been gaining recognition here in the US for her beautiful bags. I love them!!
More fabulous Fall arrivals at Nimli from Kelly B, Nuugard Designs, Prarie Underground, naturevsfuture, and rebe (and they’re all more environmentally friendly than many other mainstream designers).
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